The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2020 plunged the world into a state of uncertainty and upheaval, prompting each individual to develop their own coping mechanisms to navigate the tumultuous terrain of lockdowns and isolation. For me, that coping mechanism came in the form of a seemingly unlikely companion—Ana, or as my doctors referred to her, Anorexia Nervosa. As the world retreated into the safety of their homes, I found myself drawn into the clutches of Ana, my mind ensnared by her seductive whispers. With remote learning becoming the new norm, the once-familiar confines of the classroom faded into the background, replaced by a haze of numbers on screens and assignments that seemed inconsequential in the face of my burgeoning obsession with weight and body image. Before I knew it, I was engulfed in the throes of an eating disorder, my every thought and action dictated by the insidious dictates of Ana. As the pounds melted away, my family watched in growing alarm, their concern mirrored in the depths of my own eyes—a silent plea for help that I was unable to voice. Despite their best efforts, the severity of my condition necessitated immediate intervention, but even the doors of the hospital seemed barred to me in the midst of the pandemic's relentless onslaught. It was a harrowing realization—that I was teetering on the precipice of a life-altering abyss, my very existence hanging in the balance. Yet, in the depths of despair, a flicker of determination ignited within me—a resolve to wrest back control of my life from the clutches of Ana before it was too late. With the unwavering support of my doctors and loved ones, I embarked on a journey of recovery, reclaiming my health, my sanity, and my sense of self one small victory at a time. The road to recovery was arduous, marked by setbacks and struggles, but with each passing day, I felt a renewed sense of strength and resilience coursing through my veins. It was a journey of self-discovery, an exploration of the labyrinthine corridors of my own mind that ultimately led me to a deeper understanding of myself and the complexities of the human psyche. Today, as I stand on the other side of that dark chapter in my life, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the lessons learned and the strength gained. My so-called "friendship" with Ana may have left scars, but it has also imbued me with a newfound empathy and compassion for others who are grappling with similar struggles. And it is this empathy that drives me to lend a helping hand to those who are still navigating the treacherous waters of mental illness, offering them hope, support, and a glimmer of light in the darkness. In the end, my encounter with Ana was not just a battle fought and won, but a journey of self-discovery and transformation—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. And though the scars may linger, they serve as a constant reminder of the strength and courage that reside within each and every one of us, waiting to be unleashed in moments of greatest need.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2020 plunged the world into a state of uncertainty and upheaval, prompting each individual to develop their own coping mechanisms to navigate the tumultuous terrain of lockdowns and isolation. For me, that coping mechanism came in the form of a seemingly unlikely companion—Ana, or as my doctors referred to her, Anorexia Nervosa. As the world retreated into the safety of their homes, I found myself drawn into the clutches of Ana, my mind ensnared by her seductive whispers. With remote learning becoming the new norm, the once-familiar confines of the classroom faded into the background, replaced by a haze of numbers on screens and assignments that seemed inconsequential in the face of my burgeoning obsession with weight and body image. Before I knew it, I was engulfed in the throes of an eating disorder, my every thought and action dictated by the insidious dictates of Ana. As the pounds melted away, my family watched in growing alarm, their concern mirrored in the depths of my own eyes—a silent plea for help that I was unable to voice. Despite their best efforts, the severity of my condition necessitated immediate intervention, but even the doors of the hospital seemed barred to me in the midst of the pandemic's relentless onslaught. It was a harrowing realization—that I was teetering on the precipice of a life-altering abyss, my very existence hanging in the balance. Yet, in the depths of despair, a flicker of determination ignited within me—a resolve to wrest back control of my life from the clutches of Ana before it was too late. With the unwavering support of my doctors and loved ones, I embarked on a journey of recovery, reclaiming my health, my sanity, and my sense of self one small victory at a time. The road to recovery was arduous, marked by setbacks and struggles, but with each passing day, I felt a renewed sense of strength and resilience coursing through my veins. It was a journey of self-discovery, an exploration of the labyrinthine corridors of my own mind that ultimately led me to a deeper understanding of myself and the complexities of the human psyche. Today, as I stand on the other side of that dark chapter in my life, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the lessons learned and the strength gained. My so-called "friendship" with Ana may have left scars, but it has also imbued me with a newfound empathy and compassion for others who are grappling with similar struggles. And it is this empathy that drives me to lend a helping hand to those who are still navigating the treacherous waters of mental illness, offering them hope, support, and a glimmer of light in the darkness. In the end, my encounter with Ana was not just a battle fought and won, but a journey of self-discovery and transformation—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. And though the scars may linger, they serve as a constant reminder of the strength and courage that reside within each and every one of us, waiting to be unleashed in moments of greatest need.

As I set my sights on the horizon of my future, I find myself drawn to a purpose that feels both deeply personal and profoundly impactful. My journey through the labyrinth of mental health struggles and the trials of academia has not only shaped me but has also illuminated a path forward—a path guided by empathy, resilience, and a relentless commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. My battle with anorexia and body dysmorphia wasn't just a chapter in my life; it was a crucible—a transformative experience that left its mark on every aspect of my being. Through the darkest nights of despair and the toughest days of recovery, I discovered within myself a wellspring of strength I never knew existed. And it's this strength, forged in the fires of adversity, that propels me forward with unwavering determination. As I contemplate my future, I find myself drawn to a career in mental health—a calling that beckons me to be a beacon of hope for those who are navigating their own tumultuous journeys. I envision myself not just as a therapist or counselor, but as a companion—a trusted ally who walks alongside others on the path to healing and self-discovery. I would never want someone to go through the draining battle mental illness can bring Whether it's through one-on-one therapy sessions, group support, or community outreach initiatives, I am committed to creating spaces where individuals can feel safe, seen, and supported. I want to be the person who listens without judgment, who offers a shoulder to lean on, and who believes unwaveringly in the inherent worth and resilience of every individual. But my aspirations extend beyond the confines of the therapist's office. I am also deeply passionate about raising awareness and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health. Through social media advocacy campaigns, speaking engagements, and community initiatives, I aim to spark conversations that matter—to shine a light on the realities of mental illness and to foster a culture of compassion, acceptance, and understanding. At the heart of it all lies a simple yet profound truth: I believe in the power of human connection to heal. I've felt it in my own journey, and I am determined to pay it forward. Because ultimately, my goal is not just to pursue a career—it is to pursue a calling. And in doing so, I hope to touch the lives of others in a way that is deeply human, deeply real, and deeply meaningful.

Navigating my academics while wrestling with the relentless grip of anorexia has been a journey with many unique challenges, each leaving its mark on my academic path. The whispers of my eating disorder not only corroded my physical health but also eroded my ability to thrive in the academic sphere. During the darkest days of my struggle with anorexia, every waking moment was consumed by the relentless pursuit of thinness, leaving little room for anything else, including academic endeavors. The vicious cycle of restriction and obsession left me depleted, both physically and mentally, draining me of the energy and focus needed to excel in my studies and my personal life. As the disorder tightened its grip, my academic performance suffered. Concentration became a fleeting luxury, as my mind was consumed by thoughts of food, calories, and body image. Simple tasks that once came effortlessly now felt insurmountable, overshadowed by the all-consuming obsession with weight and appearance. Moreover, the physical toll of anorexia began to manifest in tangible ways, further impeding my academic progress. Fatigue became my constant companion, rendering even the most basic of academic tasks a herculean effort. The cognitive fog that enveloped my mind made it difficult to retain information, let alone engage in critical thinking or analytical reasoning. In essence, anorexia cast a long shadow over my academic journey, leaving me grappling with the fallout long after the physical symptoms had subsided. Yet, in the midst of adversity, I found resilience. Through sheer determination and unwavering commitment to recovery, through years of treatment and therapy I was finally able to reclaim my academic success, one small victory at a time. With being able to have a 4.5 junior year to a 4.8 my senior year I am able to finally focus on myself and my future. Recovery from anorexia has been a journey of self-discovery, one that has not only restored my physical health but also reignited my passion for learning. With each passing day, I find myself reclaiming lost ground, rediscovering the joy of intellectual pursuit and academic achievement. In conclusion, while anorexia may have left its mark on my academic journey, it has not defined it. Through perseverance, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to recovery, I have emerged stronger and more determined than ever to pursue my academic aspirations. With each new challenge, I am reminded of the indomitable spirit that resides within me, propelling me forward towards a brighter, more hopeful future at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo.

Throughout High School especially freshman year, a grip of body dysmorphia had taken over my brain, an illness that nearly claimed my life through the grasp of anorexia. Each day was a battle against my own reflection, a war that waged within my mind and body. Yet, through multiple years of in and out of treatment I was finally able to emerge into a life that was finally worth living. My journey through anorexia has filled me with a profound sense of purpose. It has ignited within me a passion for advocating self-love, particularly among women. I have witnessed firsthand the pervasive culture of insecurity that plagues teenage girls and young adults, perpetuating a cycle of self-doubt and self-loathing. But I refuse to stand idly by as others succumb to the same torment that once consumed me. I have made it my mission to share my harrowing experience with anorexia, to peel back the layers of stigma and shame that shroud mental illness. I implore those who listen to understand that the pursuit of an unattainable ideal is a perilous journey, one that leads only to suffering and despair. Your body is not a canvas upon which society can impose its arbitrary standards of beauty; it is a vessel, a temple deserving of love, respect, and nourishment. Through my advocacy efforts, both in person and through social media platforms, I strive to illuminate the gravity of mental health struggles, to dispel the misconceptions that shroud them in darkness. But my aspirations extend beyond mere awareness-raising; they encompass a deep-seated desire to effect tangible change in the lives of young women everywhere. That is why I am drawn to a career in mental health, a calling that beckons me to walk alongside those who are navigating the treacherous waters of self-discovery and healing. I yearn to be a beacon of hope, a source of guidance and support for those who are grappling with the same demons that once threatened to consume me whole. For me, this scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it symbolizes an opportunity to further my mission, to amplify my voice in the fight against the forces of self-doubt and insecurity. With your support, I can continue to pursue my dreams of empowering young women to embrace their inherent worth, to reclaim their lives from the shadows of doubt and fear. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to share my story and my aspirations with you. I am ready and eager to embark on this journey of healing, of transformation, of making a difference in the lives of others. Together, we can rewrite the narrative of self-love and acceptance, one story at a time.

I have been a part of my High School cheer and stunt team from my freshman to senior year of High School. I also plan on trying out for Cal Poly cheer and STUNT this upcoming month. I have learn to grow as a person by being able to accept that not everything is in my control and that sometimes things go wrong but you have to be able to move past it. I try not to ponder on what went bad but instead of what succeeded. I have struggled with coaches and athletes on my teams, but I have learned that at the end of the day that is just how life is. Life will be full of obstacles and this sport has taught me to overcome so many. I have been able to learn about myself and others through this sport and support each other through our own struggles. Without this sport I would not be the person I am today and would not be able to connect with others the way I do now. Going into college pursuing these two sports I am excited to learn more about the culture of cheer with new coaches and new girls surrounding me to broaden my learning with stunting and tumbling. As well as keep the culture of never dropping your flyer by building the trust between stunt groups because it is a trust not many are able to have. Cheer has become my life and I truly wouldn´t want it any other way.